Three Charged After Arson Attack on Jewish Ambulances in North-West London

Three males have been formally charged following an alleged arson attack that targeted four Jewish community ambulances in the Golders Green area of north-west London on March 23. The incident resulted in the destruction of ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service, after fires set to the vehicles caused stored gas canisters to explode in the early morning hours.

The Metropolitan Police identified the suspects as Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, both British nationals from Leyton, and a 17-year-old dual British and Pakistani national from Walthamstow. All three have been charged with arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. They are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated that officers have worked continuously since the attack to ensure those responsible were identified and brought to justice. The investigation is being handled by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) due to what it described as the circumstances surrounding the incident, but authorities emphasized that it is not being treated as a terrorism case.

Two other men, aged 45 and 47, were also arrested in connection with the investigation and have been released on bail until late April as inquiries continue. No injuries were reported as a result of the explosions.

The case remains under active investigation, with further updates expected as court proceedings and police inquiries progress.